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Spice long term effects

Synthetic cannabis is dangerous!

Spice is one of the most well-known brands of synthetic marijuana. It’s made from dried herbal mixtures and chemicals which produce marijuana-like effects. Although many like to view it as the ‘safer alternative’ to marijuana, the reality is Spice can be quite dangerous at the first try…and especially in the long run.

Ranging from physical to psychological, the side effects of Spice can seriously damage your health. Psychotic episodes, hallucinations, and abnormal heart issues are some possible effects. Some other side effects like seizures can even lead to permanent consequences. But, what are the long term effects of Spice?

In this article, we break down the possible long term effects of Spice. Then, we invite you to send us your questions through the comments section at the bottom of the page. We try to respond to all real life questions. So please reach out!

—–Need help for a Spice problem?Call 1-877-721-2710 TODAY.Our trained operators are available 24/7.—–

Long term effects of Spice use

We are still not fully aware of all potential risks and long terms side effects that Spice can cause, mainly due to two reasons:

1. Spice is a relatively new drug. So, its long-term effects on humans have not been researched or scientifically recorded, due to the lack of time for longitudinal studies. Still, the reported effects of synthetic marijuana can be dangerous and even life-threatening.

2. Spice is always chemically different. The drug is a combination of herbs and synthetic chemicals which are constantly changed by manufacturers. The reason this happens is because authorities have made it illegal to sell, buy, or possess some of the dangerous chemicals used in Spice, so manufacturers try to dodge possible legal problems by changing the chemical formulas in their mixtures.

What we know for certain is that the majority of Spice side effects can be far worse than those of real marijuana. There is a growing number of synthetic marijuana induced toxicity, but additional analysis is needed to determine how toxic it actually can be. Reports suggest that long term Spice users are likely to exhibit symptoms of withdrawal and addiction, and face an increased risk of heart attack.

Long term effects of Spice on the brain

The chemicals found in Spice and the THC found in marijuana have a tendency to attach to the same brain receptors. While both chemicals are considered cannabinoids and can produce similar mind altering effects. The difference is in their potency. The chemicals found in Spice (especially JWH-018) bind more strongly to cannabinoid receptors as opposed to THC. As a result they cause more potent, long lasting high, and more severe side effects.

In addition to mind altering effects, Spice can bring about psychological changes and make individuals behave in ways that are harmful for themselves and the environment. Most common adverse effects of Spice on the brain include:

agitation

anxiety

hallucinations

panic attacks

paranoia

psychotic episodes

seizures

suicidal thoughts

Long term effects of Spice on the body

What are the long term effects of Spice on the body? There are a number of short-term side effects associated with Spice use that could be potentially dangerous in the long run. The most common of which may include:

chest pains

heart palpitations

hypertension

tachypnea (abnormally rapid breathing)

tachycardia

These effects usually vanish within a couple of hours as Spice effects diminish, and are not followed by any residual side effects. However, individuals with preexisting health conditions are at great risk of serious consequences. Even for healthy Spice users, long term exposure can lead to consequences such as heart attack.

Long term effects of Spice on a fetus

There is a lack of research to show how Spice use could affect a developing fetus. But, since marijuana and Spice have similar effects, it follows that there is possibility for children of Spice addicted parents to experience:

attention impairment

language difficulties

learning problems

behavioral issues

Still, there is a need for a thorough research in order to justify this claim.

Spice and Schizophrenia

Due to the fact that there are over 100 types of synthetic cannabinoid compounds available, it is almost impossible to determine how dangerous a batch of Spice can be. What’s more, it is still impossible to determine which active ingredients are present in a batch making it even more difficult to research or predict its harmful long term effects.

But if we look for clues with marijuana as it targets the same brain receptors, it could be speculated that Spice abuse could increase the chances for schizophrenia and psychosis and reduce certain brain functions.

Long term effects of Spice addiction

Due to the lack of research, it is hard to say how exactly Spice addiction can affect you in the long run. But, we may assume some predictable effects, considering the fact that most active chemicals often found in Spice are Schedule I substances. Plus, a German research study has suggested that synthetic marijuana use can lead to “withdrawal symptoms and addictive behaviors.” For these reasons, it is safe to say that Spice has a high addictive potential.

Although many believe Spice use is less harmful than real marijuana, they are in significant danger when they try to quit Spice after using the drug chronically for a period of time. Spice withdrawal effects can be unpleasant and unpredictable, and unfortunately – fatal. Here are some signs and symptoms that chronic Spice users have reported during withdrawal:

dehydration

depression

diarrhea

extreme sweating

inability to sleep

intense cravings

loss of appetite

kidney failure or damage

vomiting

Can Spice effects cause permanent damage?

Spice use is associated with a number of side effects, yet further analysis is needed in order to fully understand how damaging it actually is. Despite the need for further research, conditions such as:

brain injury

heart attack

liver damage

lung damage

kidney damage

kidney failure

…are permanent and cannot be reversed.

Additional questions

Do you still have questions regarding the long term effects of Spice use? Please, post your questions in the designated section below and we will try to respond personally and promptly to all legitimate inquiries. If we don’t know the answer to your question we will refer you to professionals who can help.

I tried k2 3 days ago & i have been having a headache ever since… Is that a bad sign??

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

5:32 pm August 25th, 2017

Hi Lin. That may be an effect from K2. I suggest that you consult with a doctor.

C

7:10 am August 26th, 2017

I used to have a problem with this stuff just wanted to report when withdrawling I turned blood red, lost alot of my vision, was shaking alot, stutter alot now, am not as smart, got brown stains on my front teeth, got violent, lost memories, lost a sense of reality, lost feelings, gained alot of weight, would wake up withdrawling in the middle of the night just to smoke to go back to bed, . I wish there was more information on the long term effects because I still don’t feel like myself after 5 years of being clean. I’m just so unhappy, and I can tell this stuff really messed my head up. I hope someone will find out more info. Somehow! I’m so scared I’ll die because of my previous habits. I’ve had a hell of a bad experience with this stuff some I have not shared…. if your on it get off now!

Nicole

2:15 pm August 26th, 2017

It has been three years since my (now ex) husband developed a severe psychosis from synthetic cannabinoid which threw him into manic behavior, followed by deep depression. He has never fully recovered. He is aggitated, has frequent mood swings, gets very anxious… he hasn’t had a job in 3 years. He is being “treated” but by the VA. Is there any hope for a full recovery? Or even getting to a point where he can at least function better in society?

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

1:45 pm September 7th, 2017

Hi Nicole. Recovery is possible, but he must work hard on it. He may try meditation, yoga, mindfulness therapy, ad well as exercising. He should consider changing his whole lifestyle.

George

8:48 am November 28th, 2017

I have been exposed to spice through fumes from a smoker for 4 days across a week. I can tell you that for a person who does not consume drugs at all the experience was debilitating. I am lucky to have found my own way out the situation by being able to clean down my body which was saturated by the drug and by buying new clothes.

I can tell for certain that even the smell of the fumes, the chemical in these fumes is enough to induce a small high.

I would recommend using soap and water and scrubbing down the body if the person has had a chance to be in an area with the drug for a long time, followed by a change of clothes.

The tremors and ‘out of it’-ness I experienced even from my exposure were terrifying.

Norma

4:37 pm December 29th, 2017

My Son thinks aliens are after him. Smokes spice regularly. Should I be afraid for my security? How do I deal with these hallucinations.

Hi Richard. I hear you. Keep your focus on the moment. You will deal with the effects as they occur. I’d suggest that you find an ally in a doctor or psychiatrist who cares about you and can follow you through your recovery. The longer you stay away from Spice, the more positive your life will be.

Diane

8:10 am February 1st, 2018

So there has been no studies regarding the long term effects? My Son and his best friend smoked a lot of Spice 6 yrs ago. Both were hospitalized in 3/2012. His best friend was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder & now my Son was diagnosed with schizophrenia on January 15, 2018. I’m having a hard time believing that coincidently both of these boys had schizophrenia to begin with and the spice brought it to the surface. I’d say it’s pretty apparent that the Spice caused quite a bit of damage.

Adam

2:24 pm February 4th, 2018

I used the synthetic for about 3 years. Heavy. I have been off them completely for about 3-4 years. I have been to 2 urologists, 2 Gastro’s. I have had 2 lower GI and one upper. I used to urinate with clots of blood. I cannot see it anymore but my regular doctor told me a month ago it registered as high as their test can read. Gastro said I have ulcers in my colon, inflamed small and large intestines with lacerations throughout. I frequently everyday for a few years have severe sharp pain in my lower left side. I have had ultrasounds, xrays, CT scans, cameras in every hole in my body. No doctor or specialist can point me in a “healthy” direction. The GI doctor finally has just decided to call it crhones disease because he doesn’t know what else to call it. About a week ago I had a fever for 1 day. For the next Two days after, I started coughing up blood in the morning after I wake. Went to DR. Got chest xray he say nothing. Gives me steroids. Now, for the last 4 days, I am also having a on/ off sharp pain behind my right pectoral in my chest. Pushing or massaging it makes it worse. I don’t know what to do anymore. I cannot seem to get any answers/help. I made a bad choice in life and I’m paying dearly for it. Me and my fiancee just had our 1st child. I’m 28 with a great job and a house I purchased when I was 18. Without real help/guidance i will be lucky to make it to 30.

Diana

7:42 am February 15th, 2018

About 3 years ago someone put spice on a turkey dinner I was invited to. I almost died.My demo has gotten really bad after that.Could that one time have caused this?My doctor says no.

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

12:54 pm February 15th, 2018

Hi Diana. It may be. Space is a really dangerous synthetic marijuana. So, you don’t know the actual dose that was put on the turkey.

Megs

9:57 am February 23rd, 2018

Norma be very afraid! I’m finding out they are so descentatized from human emotions. I was strangled till I was unconscious and he just sat there holding me waiting to see if I came too. The fact that I might have been dead didn’t phase him at all. Very non chalant. I’m currently sleeping with my window open so I can hear if someone opens my gate. This is all new to me! Supposedly he has been clean and out of rehab for 3yrs. I thought I was dealing with a mental disorder now I’m worried he’s sneaking it back into his life or he does have some major life lasting side effects. I’ve never seen anything like it!!!! I’m at a loss

patrick

4:22 am March 26th, 2018

i used a liquid version in a vape and i have had heart inflammation for 2 weeks and it won’t go away.

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

11:41 am March 26th, 2018

Hi Patrick. If you don’t feel well, check up with your doctor.

K.

5:21 am April 3rd, 2018

I overdosed on Spice in 2008 which was a horrible experience. I obly smoked it once, but a lot. Only a few months later I started to have panic attacks almost every night for more than a year. I never had anxiety or panic attacks before in my life. I had episodes in which I physically felt sick for years. 9 years after smoking Spice, I still have anxiety a lot of times. Due to that fact, I have two questions:
1. Is it possible that after all those years I still feel anxiety sometimes for the fact that I overdosed once on Spice?
2. Is there anything I can do to heal/ cure the long-term-effects?

Keith

7:58 am April 8th, 2018

Hello everyone I am 23 and I was addicted to this stuff for quite a while from the time I was 18-20 years old , but k2 has messed my whole life up , I’ve been in a coma before and on machines to keep me alive now I am on a medicine the rest of my life because I have seizures with out the medicine all because this stuff messed my brain up I can never have a license , drink alcohol , I can’t do a lot , I just wanted to let anyone that is out there to not do this drug it’s the worst thing in the world

Dakota

4:47 am April 12th, 2018

I’m a former spice addict of 5 years please for the love of God don’t do this drug ive been clean for over 2 years but still have issues related to my former spice use spice is the devil and to me the most addictive substance out there I literally watched heroin users come off it using spice but the withdraw symptoms are the worse nothing compared to it. At 23 my kidneys stopped working and almost needed diaylis thank God my kidney came back to full functional I was told by the Dr I should be dead when i woke up in the hospital had 3 seizures doc said if I didnt come to the hospital I would be died in less than an hour I’m so glad I finally broke free but I’m telling you now the effects of spice will never go away like I said before I still deal with it 2 years later

Katie

2:39 am June 11th, 2018

My boyfriend, Brett, and i have been together for9 months. He was smoking something call spice when i met him. He stopped for a few weeks here and there in this duration. His mom and brother all smoke it also.Brett told me that he has neen smoking it since age 18 and is now 30. I am afraid of making a life with him, even though thoughts of not being without him tears form instantly. What do i do? I live in Bangor,Maine. Over idiot governor Paul LePage, should do something useful and make it illegal.

Erin

2:34 am June 14th, 2018

My son started smoking spice when he was 16 with his older friend who could buy it. He started having hallucinations and becoming very paranoid, thought people were poisoning him, the devil was craving him, etc. He has been in and out of jail several times and is now clinically diagnosed with schizophrenia. He’s 22 years old now and he’s been in a behavioral health facility as a ward of the state for over a year. They’ve tried all combinations of medicines and nothing is working. This stuff ruins lives. It’s just not worth the risk for a momentary high.

Rick

9:13 pm June 14th, 2018

I was on spice i used to smoke 5gram a day or more somtimes i was on it for 3 year ive tried them all k2 cherry/black, exoduce space cadet insane joker and so on i managed to get of the stuff 18 months ago but the only way i did it was to move away from the area am from i used get panic attacks i was paraniod all the time i used to shop lift everyday to fund my addiction it was the worst time of my life getting off it was so hard it takes about 2 weeks clean before u stop getting withdrawls like being sick diarea ect now am off it am a new person i still got one or to side affect i get chest pain still and i still have diarea sometimes my body is just getting back normal and the only worrying side affect i have even now is bad chest pain so for all those people who are trying to quite ill give u 1 advise is to move away to a place where it doesnt have spice overwise lock yourself away for 2 weeks and trust it will be hard.

Joe

6:36 am June 18th, 2018

It’s a lot to take in but please read it all. Stop smoking this stuff if you have started. If you are thinking about trying it…. DONT!

My head is always in a fog, I’m not as smart as I was and I have a hard time paying attention. I feel distant from reality and I stutter as well as having trouble finding words. I keep having rapid heart beats and abnormal breathing.it’s been over 4 years since I’ve smoked this stuff. my grammar has never been this horrible and now proper sentences for me has gone down the drain. Has anyone found any treatment for this? 🙁

I used to smoke over 4 grams a day. I was in nursing school going for my bachelors and doing really well. I started smoking it so much to the point where I would black out and trip. After I felt the high wear off a little I would smoke some more. I ended up in the hospital due to a psychotic episode because of this stuff and I have never been the same since. If anyone wants to share their experience with me email me cause I’m trying to see how this has effected other people, or has been through the same stuff I went through. I wish I can go for some kind of brain scan or something.

John

7:20 am July 3rd, 2018

my friend is having hallucinations as well, can that be cured ? He is taking medication for the side effects and I just want to know if these effects would go away pretty soon

Tom

10:26 pm July 5th, 2018

Joe, I read your post and I’d like to email you if you dont mind. I tried posting my email address but the comment wasnt approved by moderation, so Im posting again but without my email in it.

Lydia @ Addiction Blog

11:46 am July 10th, 2018

Hi Tom. It’s against private policy to publish e-mails from our readers. You may contact with each other using this thread.

Misti

11:24 am July 14th, 2018

I was addicted to spice for a year, 4 grams a day. Lost my job, car, apartment, storage unit, everything. Only able to do 7 days it of 30 day inpatient rehab bc of argument with director, only able to quit after moving 4 hours away. That was 2010 and I’ve been suicidal and depressed but now a lot of memory loss- I say ‘i can’t remember’… honestly, I can’t remember how many times a day, probably 20? I can’t remember details of ideas I’m sharing, I get lost in my thoughts and what I’m trying to say. I realize halfway through a sentence that what I’m saying doesn’t make sense. I have a really hard time putting my thoughts into words, I understand but can’t communicate my ideas nearly as well as before spice. I’d love a brain scan

Charlene

11:46 pm July 22nd, 2018

I have a friend who just recently had a heart attack ended up in the hospital…still wants his spice is there an amount of time b4 the addiction wears off and the craving goes away? If i WAS to get spice for him and something happened to him would i be criminality responsible?

Alice

1:43 pm August 16th, 2018

I was stupid enough to use spice about 8 to 10 years ago. Today, I have an irreversible walking disability. My feet drag, and it is hard to lift my legs high enough to walk normally. Now this injury could be caused by the use of three different Rx’s for the bi-polar condition. I really don’t know how this disability came upon me, but I do wonder if it was the use of spice back then. I did use it consistently for a few months. It seems to me according to news events recently that the k2 is much stronger now.

Mila

4:01 pm August 21st, 2018

My finance’ started acting really strange. He thought he was having some type of spiritual experience as he was trying to understand God’s purpose for him. At first it really did seem like he was on a good path towards developing a relationship with God, but recently he has changed. He talks about having a “feeling” that’s over him and that the devil is wanting him. At times he is staring into space. He explains that its like things are moving in slow motion. He finally told me that when this started he had smoked K2. Now I don’t know if this will be permanent or not. He has always had a sharp mind. I don’t want to be afraid of him or what the psychosis may cause him to do. Since its early and he says he hasn’t used it since, is there anything we can do to reverse any damage or control the delusions?

Derrick

7:47 am August 25th, 2018

My son smoked spice 3 years ago at age 20, while in his 3rd year of college. He was operating a t-shirt clothing line, training kids in basketball, and participating in church motivational speaking. After his first time of spice use he was placed in the hospital for substance induced psychosis. He has been arrested 12 times and unable to keep a job or live with any family member/friend. He is constantly agitated and threatens to harm others.. He was recently placed on Court ordered treatment and diagnosed psychosis and Bi-polar. He is non compliant with medication an will not engage with his clinical team. He sleeps outside in a very dangerous area of phoenix. I fear that he has permanent brain damage. He is currently incarcerated on 4 charges the serious : trespassing in the 3rg degree. He stole a pellet gun from Wal-Mart with the intention of intimidating others. He has been in and out of mental health facilities for medication stabilization. He does not follow through on taking his medications and returns to the drug use . I would like to see more long term mental hospitalization for our young folks who use this drug. It is very dangerous and needs more study of the long term effects on the mind.

Hi Derrick. I totally agree with you. We need more education and awareness about the negative effects of Spice use.

Willie

12:08 am September 11th, 2018

I used to smoke K2 probably around 8 or so years ago when I couldn’t find any real weed. I never had any major issues w/ it until one time I bought a packet of it and it had a ball of “stuff”, basically concentrated chemicals and some herb I think. I smoked it and was locked to the couch for quite a while. Eventually, I realized I needed to throw up. I stood up but from there I couldn’t make myself move. I eventually puked all over the living room near where I was standing. I eventually made it to bed, and I vividly remember laying there, high as hell, feeling like my insides were literally melting away. I was writing my own will in my head because I felt like I was dying.

Now, in the last year or so, I’ve developed pneumonia and pneumonia-like symptoms where my lungs fill w/ fluid, lots and lots of coughing and mucus, asthma really bad, etc. I don’t know if K2 contributed to it, but I would not be surprised if it did.

Christine

10:18 pm September 16th, 2018

You can add seizures to the permanent/ long-term effects. Several years clean and I typically make a couple months before having another batch of seizures. The mental issues seem to get better with time but for a while there I battled severe depression and still have pretty bad anxiety.

Tom

10:57 am September 22nd, 2018

Christine, what kind of mental issues did you have from using spice? And what are the seizures like? Have you ever been told by a doctor you have brain damage and/or epilepsy?

Manny

6:35 pm October 21st, 2018

I have done spice it was horrible experience it has been 4 months and I still get random feelings that I’m going into that stage again from my 5 senses my touch is really affected I don’t feel things like they are no more I feel pulses like I’m getting small shocks in my hands if I’m putting too much force until I let go of the object the pain is released and I feel like my heart is pounding too slowly at times and I got checked and I’m ok but at the same time people don’t know how it feels actually going thru these effects I’m hoping someone can help me out with my state of mind

Anna

3:57 pm November 12th, 2018

I did spice when I was 13 only a few times and I’m still affected by it and I’m 20. First times I felt nothing and the last time is when I had the near death experience. I guess one of the feelings of being disattached stayed with me my entire life and anxiety. The heart beat, thoughts only lasting 3 seconds and everything else mentally scarred me. It was the most traumatic experience in my life it has affected me to where I had so much paranoia I became unable to go on rollercoasters, be around cigarettes or even take ibuprofen. I was scared of alcohol and had so much anxiety for these things. As for the detachment I developed something called personalization disorder and I have a permanent disassociation feeling. People claim to feel weird after going through this and they’re probably like me. I’m super numb on the inside and never feel connected to reality and have this feeling that I’m dead and everything is fake. That side effect never left me. I feel like I want to die because it’s such a lonely feeling. I hope this can be confirmed by an expert. Because It is what happened to me.

D

7:13 am November 25th, 2018

I was addicted to this more than anything I’ve ever encountered. I abused every relationship from lover to family to smoke between 10 to 20 grams a day. The day I quit I was fighting a black and red flem from my lungs in a fog filled shower like I had for over 6 months. I smoked 2 packs of cigarettes a day on top of spice. My brother and my closest friends all became paranoid of each other and made each other buy our own pipes, lighters, and bags because we wouldn’t share. I became extremely violent, self-centered, and intellectually unable to follow conversation or remember events. I am almost 5 years clean and struggle every day with a self-awareness that I dont remember many things, and that I have lost a severe extent of my intelligence. I will never deny to anyone this experience and only wish I could help everyone understand. I’ve never had a more severe and influential impact on my life, from any natural, legal, or illegal mental, physical, or psychological euphoria I’ve ever experienced in my life. Somewhere between 1 and two years usage. Between y months and a year heavy. All I know is at my mac I used somewhere about 20-30 grams of lucky 7 or mr nice guy a day and smoked cigarettes and held a job. Only time I slept when when I passed out. I used to ghosted every hit to get potential and destroyed my mind and lungs. I want to help others.

Shona

11:54 pm November 30th, 2018

Ive just found out my sons on bad way been taking crystal spice for a long time he dosent no who any 1 is hes in jail thats where he got this stuff from he normally phones me not heard from him in 5 weeks went to a visit he refused to c me and we have a very close relashionshipim just worried for him

Jared

4:29 am December 12th, 2018

This has been a couple years ago but I smoked like gorilla or King Kong k2 or something and now when I smoke weed and get too high I feel the same way as I did when I smoked k2 and I litterally can feel anything a touch. Can’t hold anything or walk with out walking into somethin but only when I get really high and ik this is not normal it’s not weed cousing that it something with my head and that k2

I have smoked very very heavily every day for about 2-3 years now and I slowed down about a month ag...

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